When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I just put an 18/19 wheel and tire package on my 02Z. Looking at the old and the new tires it's a little taller. A friend told me that the computer automatically makes changes to adjust speedometer calibrations. I think that the changes have to be loaded with a programmer or a tune . Can anybody shed some light on this or is it not enough of a difference to bother with it.?
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Originally Posted by YeloFevr
Nope, you're fine. The vehicle speed sensor is located on the differential.
Yeah, it's counting rotations - HOWEVER, one rotation will now move you farther - thus faster. In the programming, you need to put in the new rear tire size. That will fix the calibration. It will NOT fix itself.
From: Calgary, AB. There's a reason why white was the only color offered on every year Corvette. Proud Canadian German Jamaican!
St. Jude Donor '09, '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
As long as the ratios are the same between the old and new you'll be fine but it's not only the speedo you have to worry about it's the traction control. I have winters on the fronts and backs and the front's are slightly larger than the factories so when I floor it the traction control kicks in but if I turn the TC off then it's fine, no big deal, but just something to be aware of.
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Originally Posted by themonk
As long as the ratios are the same between the old and new you'll be fine but it's not only the speedo you have to worry about it's the traction control. I have winters on the fronts and backs and the front's are slightly larger than the factories so when I floor it the traction control kicks in but if I turn the TC off then it's fine, no big deal, but just something to be aware of.
You are correct that a bad ratio will cause TC issues. However, even if the ratios are correct, a change in tire height will cause speedo miscalibration issues.
So it looks like the thing to do is to get a hand held programmer and put the new tire sizes in while dialing up the power or take it to a tuner and have it done.
From: Calgary, AB. There's a reason why white was the only color offered on every year Corvette. Proud Canadian German Jamaican!
St. Jude Donor '09, '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Originally Posted by doje
You are correct that a bad ratio will cause TC issues. However, even if the ratios are correct, a change in tire height will cause speedo miscalibration issues.
So for argument sake all the tires are the same size and you go from a 275/40/18 to a 285/35/19 the speedo will be out?
You could just borrow someone's GPS if you do not have one and go for a ride. The GPS will tell you how fast you are going. I found mine to be pretty accurate across three cars so I have no reason to believe it can't be used to tell you if your speedo is now off or if its still tracking correctly. From there decide what you want to do.
The "right way" to make sure the speedo and odometer are correct is with a hand held programmer like the GM Tech II. You program in your current tire size and the computer does the rest.